How to Host an Oscar Party at Home | MBellished Life

Black, gold, a little glamour and plenty of opinions—my formula for turning Hollywood’s biggest night into a party.

Oscar night has always been one of my favorite excuses to gather around the television with friends.

For years, our dear friends Jeff and Andrew hosted the most fabulous Oscar soirée. When they decided to take a year off, I couldn't quite imagine watching at home without turning it into an occasion—so I decided to host one myself.

I hadn't seen every nominated movie (and probably never will), but that's hardly the point. There are dresses to discuss, speeches to critique, winners to predict and, inevitably, a few strong opinions about who should have won.

And yes, I decided a designer gown was entirely appropriate for watching television in my own living room.

Set the Scene

Oscar night calls for a little glamour.

I started with the classic black and gold palette and added touches of red for color. Gold balloons, stars and a few playful Oscar-inspired details made the room feel festive without requiring an elaborate transformation.

This is one party where a little sparkle is entirely justified.

Keep Dinner Easy

Since everyone ultimately wants to watch the show, I prefer food that doesn't require sitting down at a table.

A buffet of substantial appetizers works beautifully—small bites people can help themselves to throughout the evening, along with popcorn for later in the show.

And, of course, something sweet.

Oscar night isn't the time for a formal dinner. I like food that feels a little indulgent but can be eaten easily while everyone is watching the show. A few substantial bites, something fresh and something sweet is plenty.

An Oscar Night Menu

Savory Bites
Mini crab cakes with chive remoulade
Truffle grilled cheese bites
Beef tenderloin crostini with horseradish cream
Parmesan truffle fries
A beautiful cheese and charcuterie board

Something Sweet
Chocolate cupcakes with gold accents
Chocolate-covered strawberries
Bowls of good popcorn for the show

Raise a glass

Every Oscar party deserves a little sparkle. These four cocktails feel festive enough for the occasion, but are still easy enough to make at home.

The Red Carpet
A glamorous, ruby-red take on a Kir Royale. Add ½ oz crème de cassis to a champagne flute and top with 4–5 oz Champagne or Prosecco. Garnish with a raspberry or orange twist.

French 75
Shake 1½ oz gin, ¾ oz fresh lemon juice and ½ oz simple syrup with ice. Strain into a flute and top with 2–3 oz Champagne. Finish with a lemon twist.

Ancho Old Fashioned
Stir 2 oz bourbon or rye, ¼ oz ancho chile liqueur and 2 dashes Angostura bitters with ice. Strain over a large cube and garnish with an orange peel.

Champagne Margarita
Shake 1½ oz tequila, ¾ oz Cointreau and ¾ oz fresh lime juice with ice. Strain into a coupe or margarita glass and top with 2 oz Champagne or Prosecco. Garnish with lime.

Don't Forget the Ballots

This might be the most important part.

Give everyone an Oscar ballot before the awards begin and have them predict the winners. A little friendly competition makes categories you know absolutely nothing about suddenly very interesting.

I'd even have a small prize waiting for whoever gets the most right.

Dress for the Occasion

Why should the people on the red carpet have all the fun?

You certainly don't need a dress code, but I love giving guests permission to be a little glamorous—even when the party is at home.

As for me?

I'll take any excuse to wear the gown.

MBellished Entertaining Notes

Choose one palette. Black and gold does most of the decorating for you.

Serve food people can eat easily. You don't want dinner competing with the show.

Make ballots part of the evening. They turn watching into an activity.

Add one playful detail. Gold popcorn bowls, a signature cocktail or a prize for the winning ballot is plenty.

And dress up. Sometimes the completely unnecessary glamour is what makes a night memorable.

An Oscar Night at Home